Apparatus and methods for picking numbers

ABSTRACT

A group of cards that may be loose or bound in a book is provided for picking lottery numbers. Each card may bear a unique numbers in a range, and may bear a unique image. Each card may also include a word or phrase corresponding to the image shown on the card. Cards in a group may bear the same color. The number of cards, and/or groups of cards, may be determined based upon the lottery being played. In use, the player first familiarizes him/herself with the images on the cards. The player pays special attention to his/her dreams, events, anomalies and/or unusual occurrences in his/her daily routine. Next, the player associates each occurrence with one of the images on the cards and picks the number on that card as one of the lottery numbers to be played. Other features and attributes are disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention generally pertains picking lottery numbers, and more particularly to images and associated numbers that may be shown for example on cards, in a book or on other medium and used for picking lottery numbers or in connection with other numerical based games or events.

2. Description of Related Art

Various approaches have been proposed in connection with picking and/or predicting winning lottery numbers. Many of those approaches are described in earlier patents, including those cited herein. While certain of those approaches are purported to have advantages or benefits, the inventor perceives that they also have shortcomings, and that a need exists for an apparatus and methods for accurately picking and/or predicting winning lottery numbers, as described herein.

Chinese Patent CN1754595 discloses the use of playing cards to choose lottery numbers. The playing cards include 52 traditional poker playing cards, having 13 symbols and the traditional colors of poker playing cards. The face side of each card is printed with one of the numbers from one to thirty-six, and a well-known saying, motto, and characters. The cards further include a pattern on the reverse side of the card. Lottery players use the cards to randomly choose individual numbers. The random numbers are then combined to provide the player with a number for each lottery number.

French Patent FR2544622 discloses a dice game, containing 9 dice that are rolled to find number combinations that can be used to play in a lottery. The dice are of different colors corresponding to lottery colors and are numbered from 1 to 49. The system is based on chance, and not on any input from the lottery player, and is thus unlikely to successfully predict the winning set of lottery numbers.

French Patent FR2558382 discloses a device that facilitates the selection of lottery numbers to complete a lottery ticket. The device consists of a casing made from rigid but translucent plastic comprising in its base 49 holes, numbered from 1 to 49 according to the vertical form of the lottery ticket, with six metal balls inside it. The six metal balls, after shaking of the casing, randomly fall into the 49 holes, thereby indicating the boxes of the lottery ticket to be marked. The lottery grid game casing may have multiple applications, such as on a cigarette lighter or key ring.

UK Patent Application GB 2,310,806 discloses numbered chocolate balls used to aid in the picking of lottery numbers. A complete set of chocolate balls includes forty-nine balls. Each chocolate ball has a unique number, which appears either on the outer surface of the chocolate or on its wrapping foil. Additionally, one ball in each set is marked with a “B,” to indicate that it is the bonus ball. In use, seven of the balls are randomly released through a hinge and funnel, and into a containing device.

Korean Patent Application 2007030422 discloses a set of cards, bearing flower designs, for use in picking lottery numbers. A lottery number is marked on forty-five of forty-eight of the flower cards. A lottery player can use these cards to select lottery numbers.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,767 discloses a method of playing a game involving the formation of a matrix display of identifiers. A game controller randomly and independently selects a group of identifiers from the set of identifiers. These are compared to the identifiers in the matrix display. The set of identifiers may be a pack of cards and a group of identifiers may be selected from the pack. The system determines if there are complete identifiers at all of the intersections along matrix lines, and awards a prize to the player if the number of matrix lines with identifiers at all intersections along matrix lines is one or more.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,764 discloses a lottery terminal apparatus and method of playing a word-based lottery that includes a value input device, a display unit and a lottery input unit for receiving alphabetical game play information. The device further includes a controller that is coupled to the display unit and is programmed to receive wager data in response to a wager made by a person. The controller assigns a prize value to the alphabetical game play information received from the lottery input unit and randomly selects an alphabetic sample based on a distribution of choices. The device determines a payout value based on a comparison of the alphabetic sample and the alphanumeric game play information to determine the prize value.

Though the systems, devices, and methods disclosed in the related art are related to selecting numbers, such systems, devices, and methods are based purely on chance. As such, they are not statistically likely to result in the selection of winning lottery numbers. Further, studies have shown that gamblers tend not to prefer numbers that are selected for them and prefer choosing their own numbers in lottery games, on the grounds that they feel in control of what is essentially a random outcome. Special Random Numbers: Beyond the Illusion of Control; Joseph K. Goodman et al.; Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes 99 (2006); 161-174. Accordingly, there exists a need for a device and method to enable gamblers to pick their own lottery numbers. As will become apparent from the following description and discussion, the present disclosure sets forth improved apparatus and methods for picking lottery numbers as compared to the above-discussed disclosures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus and methods for picking lottery numbers are disclosed, exemplified by a group of cards, with each card bearing a different number and having a unique image shown thereon. Each card may also include a word or phrase corresponding to the image shown on the card. Also, each of the cards in the group may have the same color scheme (for example, the cards may each have a blue or other color border, or any other color scheme).

In one aspect, the present invention may be an apparatus for picking lottery numbers, comprising: a plurality of cards, each of said cards having on its face a unique numerical indicator and a unique image, the unique image being adapted for association with an occurrence experienced by a lottery player to select a lottery number. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention is that the unique numerical indicator may be part of a consecutive range of numbers. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention is that the plurality of cards may be organized into a plurality of groups of cards. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention is that the cards in each group of cards may share an identifying feature. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention is that each of said cards may further include a word that describes the unique image on said card. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention is that each of said cards may further include a word that describes the unique number on said card. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention is that the apparatus may be in the form of a package containing the plurality of cards. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention is that each occurrence may be one of a dream, event or anomaly. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention is that each image may be in the form of one of a photograph, a sketch or a drawing. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention is that the cards may be bound into a book.

In another aspect, the present invention may be directed to a method for picking lottery numbers, comprising the steps of: identifying an occurrence; associating said occurrence with a unique image on the face of one of a plurality of cards; selecting the one of said cards that includes the said image associated with said occurrence; identifying the unique numerical indicator on the face of the selected card as a lottery number to be played in a lottery. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention may be that the unique numerical indicator is part of a consecutive range of numbers. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention may be that the plurality of cards are organized into a plurality of groups of cards. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention may be that the cards in each group of cards share an identifying feature. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention may be that said card further includes a word that describes the unique image on said card. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention may be that the card further includes a word that describes the unique number on said card.

In yet another aspect, the present invention may be a package of cards for use in picking lottery numbers comprising: at least two groups of cards including at least a first group of cards and a second group of cards, the first group of cards including a plurality of cards, each of the plurality of cards in the first group being consecutively numbered with a unique number, the second group of cards including a plurality of cards, each of the plurality of cards in the second group being consecutively numbered with a unique number, and each of the cards in the first and second groups of cards bearing a unique image. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention may be that each of the cards in the first group of cards has a first common identifying feature, and each of the cards in the second group of cards has a second common identifying. Another feature of this aspect of the present invention may be that the first common identifying feature is a first color, and the second common identifying feature is a second color.

Other features, aspects and advantages of the present inventions will become apparent from the following discussion and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 23 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 24 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 25 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 26 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 27 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 28 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 29 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 30 is a diagram of a card, illustrating one specific embodiment of the claimed apparatus.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a package containing a number of cards in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a book containing a number of pages in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following text sets forth a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the scope of the inventions is not limited to any particular embodiment disclosed herein. One skilled in the art would understand that alternative embodiments to those described herein could be implemented, based on this disclosure.

Lotteries (singular, “lottery”) are games of chance in which a player (the “lottery player”) selects certain numbers from a set of available numbers. Lotteries often are structured such that a lottery player must select multiple numbers for a full set of lottery numbers. Common lotteries may includes three, five, or six numbers to be selected. In a lottery drawing, numbers are randomly selected by the lottery officiant to determine the winning numbers. If a lottery player's selected numbers match those that were randomly selected by the officiant, then that player may win a prize. A device and method is needed such that a lottery player may select the winning lottery numbers. The inventions disclosed herein are directed to satisfying this need.

In one specific embodiment, the present invention may be directed to a group of cards, with each card bearing a different number and having a unique image shown thereon. Each card may also include a word or phrase corresponding to the image shown on the card. Also, each of the cards in the group may have the same color scheme (for example, the cards may each have a blue or other color border, or any other color scheme).

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a card 100 that may be used in a specific embodiment of the present invention for picking lottery numbers. The card 100 is not limited to any specific dimensions or material of construction, but in a specific embodiment, may have the approximate dimensions and construction of a typical poker playing card. As shown in FIG. 2, the card 100 may include a shaded border 102. In a specific embodiment, when the card 100 is included as part of a larger group of cards, each of the cards 100 may share the same color border 102. Similarly, a group of cards for use in picking lottery numbers may include a number of sub-groups of cards, which each sub-group of cards having the same color scheme and each of the sub-groups having the same number of cards and bearing the same consecutive numbers. For example, there are three groups of cards shown in FIGS. 1 through 30. The first group numbered 0 to 9 has a blue color scheme (FIGS. 1-10), the second group numbered 0 to 9 has a red color scheme (FIGS. 11-20), and the third group numbered 0 to 9 has a yellow color scheme (FIGS. 21-30). The present invention is not limited to any particular color scheme, number of groups, number of cards, numbering range, etc.

As shown in FIG. 2, the card 100 may further include a numerical designation 104. In a specific embodiment, each of the cards in a group may be consecutively numbered, depending on the particular lottery to be played. For example, the State of Texas has what is known as the “Pick 3” lottery, in which the player picks three single digit numbers from “0” to “9.” A sample group of ten cards 100 that may be used for the “Pick 3” lottery are shown in FIGS. 1 through 10. For the Texas “Pick 3” lottery, the cards would therefore include a numerical designation 104 that can range from “0” to “9.” In the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 2, numerical designation 104 may appear in each corner of the card 100. It is understood, however, that any other placement of numerical designation 104 is equally acceptable, just so long as the numerical designation 104 appears on the card 100 at least one time in some location. The card 100 may also include the written number 106 of the numerical designation 104. Written number description 106 corresponds to the number of numerical designation 104. For example, if the numerical designation 104 is “0,” then the written number description 106 would be “ZERO,” as shown for example in FIG. 1.

Still referring to FIG. 2, in a specific embodiment, the card 100 may further include an image 108. The exact content of the image 108 is not important, as long as each card has a different image that can be associated with an occurrence. So, for example, if the card 100 has an image of a state flag, then no other card in a group of cards 100 would have an image of a state flag. Further, in a specific embodiment, the card 100 may include an identifier 110 that indicates what is in image 108. FIG. 2 shows that the identifier 110 is “STATE FLAG,” corresponding to the image 108, which shows a state flag. The images seen on the cards in FIG. 1 through FIG. 30 are for exemplary purposes only, and are not meant to imply that the cards must have the particular images seen therein. Further, the images may be in any form. For example, in a specific embodiment, the image 108 may be a photograph. Alternatively, in another specific embodiment, the image 108 may be a sketch or drawing. Any other form of image is also encompassed by the present disclosure.

As stated previously, the Texas “Pick 3” lottery requires a player to select 3 digits from “0” through “9.” FIGS. 1 through 10 show ten different cards 100, ranging in number from 0 through 9. The ten cards shown in FIGS. 1-10 each share the same color border 102. They are therefore in the same group. In the Texas Pick 3 lottery, there would be three groups, each consecutively numbered 1-9 and each with a different color border, as shown in FIGS. 1-30. In that case, there would be a total of 30 cards, each having a different image, as shown in FIGS. 1-30. In a specific embodiment, the group of cards may be provided in a package 112, as shown for example in FIG. 31. The package 112 may include any number of cards and one or more groups of cards. It should be understood that the number of groups of cards may vary, such as depending on the number of digits a player must select in a particular lottery and the way the particular lottery is played. In a specific embodiment, the numbers on the cards may form a consecutive range, as described herein. However, this is not required. It should also be understood that identifying features other than color may be used, such as identifying letters, numbers, or symbols, and the like. So, for instance, if a player must select six digits in a lottery rather than three, there would be six groups of cards. In a specific embodiment, every card in a group of cards may share the same identifying feature.

In use, the player first familiarizes him/herself with each card 100 in the group or groups of cards, and particularly with the different images 108 on each of the cards 100. Then, the player pays special attention to his/her dreams, events, anomalies and/or unusual occurrences in his/her daily routine (hereinafter generally referred to as an “occurrence”). Next, the player associates the occurrences with the images 108 on the cards 100. If an occurrence matches an image 108 on one of the cards 100, the player picks the number 104 on that card as one of the lottery numbers to be played. The player would repeat this process until a number has been picked for each digit for the lottery being played.

As an example, in the “Pick 3” game, described above, the package 112 of cards purchased at the store would preferably have three groups of cards, with each group numbered “0” to “9”, and each card 100 having a unique image 108. As discussed above, the groups of cards may also have descriptive words or phrases and/or common color schemes. In use, the player would be looking for one occurrence that corresponds to one of the ten cards in each group. In other words, the player would select only one card (and thus one number) from each of the three groups. If the player had an occurrence involving a state flag, for example, the player would search the cards to find the card that has an image of a state flag on it. An example of such a card can be found in FIG. 2. So in that instance, one of the “Pick 3” numbers the player would pick and play would be “1”. The numbers selected by the player would then correspond to lottery numbers that should be picked by the player.

As stated above, the present invention may be implemented and used to pick lottery numbers for any type of lottery. The “Pick 3” game has merely been used as an example and for purposes of discussion. By way of further example, and again without limiting the present invention to any particular type of lottery, the present invention may, in a specific embodiment, by used to pick lottery numbers for what is known as the “Powerball” lottery. With the “Powerball” lottery, the operater draws five white balls out of a drum with 59 balls numbered 1 through 59, and one red ball (the “powerball”) out of a drum with 35 balls numbered 1 through 35. For this game, the package 112 would include two groups of cards, the first group being consecutively numbered 1 through 59, and the second group being numbered 1 through 35. Each of the 94 cards in this package of cards bears a different image. To aid in keeping the two groups separated, in a specific embodiment, the first group of cards (numbered 1-59) may have one color scheme (e.g., white), and the second group of cards (numbered 1-35) may have a different color scheme (e.g., red). Any colors or other differentiators may be used.

In another specific embodiment, instead of providing the cards separate from one another in a package, the cards may be bound into a book, as shown in FIG. 32.

The various embodiments of the present inventions are not limited to any particular number of cards. The number of cards may be determined based upon the particular lottery to be played. The invention is intended to encompass any number of cards in the group, with the number of cards, and the numbers on the card, being designed for use with the particular lottery to be played. Likewise, the present invention is not limited to any particular images, or to any particular colors or manner of determining whether a card belongs with a particular group. The present disclosure describes several embodiments of the invention. However, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Other variations are contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the invention and following claims set forth below. 

1. An apparatus for picking lottery numbers, comprising: a plurality of cards, each of said cards having on its face a unique numerical indicator and a unique image, the unique image being adapted for association with an occurrence experienced by a lottery player to select a lottery number.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the unique numerical indicator is part of a consecutive range of numbers.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cards is organized into a plurality of groups of cards.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cards in each group of cards share an identifying feature.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said cards further includes a word that describes the unique image on said card.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said cards further includes a word that describes the unique number on said card.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is in the form of a package containing the plurality of cards.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each occurrence is one of a dream, event or anomaly.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each image is in the form of one of a photograph, a sketch or a drawing.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cards are bound into a book.
 11. A method for picking lottery numbers, comprising the steps of: identifying an occurrence; associating said occurrence with a unique image on the face of one of a plurality of cards, each of the plurality of cards having a unique numerical indicator; selecting the one of said cards that includes the said image associated with said occurrence; identifying the unique numerical indicator on the face of the selected card as a lottery number to be played in a lottery.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the unique numerical indicator is part of a consecutive range of numbers.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of cards are organized into a plurality of groups of cards.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the cards in each group of cards share an identifying feature.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein said card further includes a word that describes the unique image on said card.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein said card further includes a word that describes the unique number on said card.
 17. A package of cards for use in picking lottery numbers comprising: at least two groups of cards including at least a first group of cards and a second group of cards, the first group of cards including a plurality of cards, each of the plurality of cards in the first group being consecutively numbered with a unique number, the second group of cards including a plurality of cards, each of the plurality of cards in the second group being consecutively numbered with a unique number, and each of the cards in the first and second groups of cards bearing a unique image.
 18. The package of claim 17, wherein each of the cards in the first group of cards has a first common identifying feature, and each of the cards in the second group of cards has a second common identifying.
 19. The package of claim 18, wherein the first common identifying feature is a first color, and the second common identifying feature is a second color. 